
好词典

源自中古英语 'vailen',意为'降低'或'屈服',可能来自古法语 'avaler'(下降),最终源自拉丁语 'ad vallum'(向山谷)。
❶ 旧时用法,指摘下帽子或降低旗帜以示敬意或屈服,现多用于文学或历史语境中。
“The knight vailed his helmet before the queen.”
(骑士在女王面前摘下头盔以示敬意。)
“In medieval times, subjects would vail their hats to the king.”
(中世纪时,臣民会向国王脱帽致敬。)
❶ 指小费或赏钱,尤指旧时仆人收到的额外报酬,现已不常用。
“The servant received a vail from the generous guest.”
(仆人从慷慨的客人那里得到了一笔赏钱。)
“Vails were common in wealthy households in the 18th century.”
(18世纪时,富人家中常给仆人赏钱。)
vail one's bonnet — 旧时表达,指脱帽致敬,表示尊敬或服从,现多用于历史或文学作品中。
“The peasants vailed their bonnets as the lord rode past.”
(当领主骑马经过时,农民们脱帽致敬。)